Locator system

ABSTRACT

A locator system is disclosed. The system includes a GPS-enabled mobile station including a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card in communication with a E911-enabled wireless network. A switching center in the network is configured to receive a location request from a subscriber mobile station for the location of a remote mobile station, determined determine the position of the remote mobile station and generate a multi-media message including a graphical representation of the location of the mobile station for the subscriber mobile station.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/843,203, filed May 10, 2004, which is a Continuation-in-Partof co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/975,898, filed Oct.10, 2001, which is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/364,557, filed Jul. 29, 1999, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,321,091.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This disclosure pertains generally to locating and tracking systems.

2. The Prior Art

Wireless devices of all kinds have been in use for pinpointing objects,people and animals on the surface of the earth, under water, or inspace. Some wireless devices also provide navigational information suchas whether or not a moving vessel or vehicle is “on course” to itspredetermined destination. Radio frequency (RF) location and navigationsystems are the oldest, and more recently developed devices function atinfrared (IR) and visible wavelengths. Acoustic location and navigationsystems such as sonar also exist.

Traditional radiolocation is the process of determining the position ofa vehicle, aircraft, or vessel. Radionavigation is the use of radioapparatus, by personnel aboard moving vessels, for the purpose ofplotting and maintaining a course.

The simplest method of radiolocation is known as the “directionalmethod” wherein two or more fixed receiving stations, which areseparated by a fixed distance, receive radio transmission signals from atransmitter that is mounted on a vessel. The vessel location isdetermined from the intersection of great circles drawn outward from thereceiver station points in the appropriate directions.

A second implementation for determining the position of objects involvesradar. The term “radar” is an acronym derived from the words “radiodetection and ranging.” Electromagnetic (EM) waves having certainfrequencies reflect from various objects, particularly if those objectscontain metals or other electrical conductors. Using a transmitter,receiver, and a display at a fixed station, the location of flyingobjects with respect to the fixed location may be determined byascertaining the directions from which radio signal are returned, and bymeasuring the time it takes for an EM pulse to travel from thetransmitter to a target and back. However, such radar systems are notuseful for tracking a ground moving objects, or objects that have poorEM reflective properties. Additionally, radar systems are not normallyuseful for differentiating the identity of objects, particularly whenthere is a plurality of objects.

The most sophisticated radiolocation and radionavigation techniquesemploy the global positioning system (GPS). The GPS is a network ofradiolocation and radionavigation apparatus that operates on a worldwidebasis. The GPS system employs several satellites and allowsdetermination of latitude, longitude, and altitude.

Most recently, vehicle location and navigation systems have been adaptedto track the location of automobiles using the GPS system. Such systemsinclude sensors, which are fixed to the automobile and draw power fromeither the car battery or a second large power source. The purpose offixing the automobile tracking sensor to the vehicle is primarily forsecurity reasons. Because one main purpose of the tracking system tolocate the vehicle in cases of theft, it is important that the sensorsystems of the tracking systems be mounted or otherwise fixed to thevehicle, making such sensor systems not easily removed or transportablefrom a first object to a second object. Furthermore, because a largepower source such as a car battery is normally available to suchtracking systems, intelligent power saving or conserving features arenot provided.

Accordingly, there is a need for a tracking and locating system andmethod which provides for a lightweight and portable tracking locatordevice, which is easily transferable from user to user or object toobject, which provides power saving and conserving features associatedwith the locator device, and which further provides positionalinformation of such locator devices in the form of hypertext markuplanguage pages viewable on the Internet. The present invention satisfiesthese needs, as well as others, and generally overcomes the deficienciesfound in the background art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be more fully understood by reference to thefollowing drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a locating system in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an alternative portable locator device.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing generally the steps involved in carryingout the power management means of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a prior art 911 system.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a prior art E911 system.

FIGS. 6A-6C are diagrams of prior art E911 systems using network-basedlocation methods.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a prior art E911 system using a terminal-basedlocation method.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a locator system configured in accordance withthe teachings of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring more specifically to the drawings, for illustrative purposesthe present invention is embodied in the system shown FIG. 1 throughFIG. 2 and the method outlined in FIG. 3. It will be appreciated thatthe apparatus may vary as to configuration and as to details of theparts, and that the method may vary as to details and the order of thesteps, without departing from the basic concepts as disclosed herein.The invention is disclosed generally in terms of a tracking and locatingsystem and method, although numerous other uses for the invention willsuggest themselves to persons of ordinary skill in the art.

Referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown generally a block diagram of atracking and locating system 10 in accordance with the invention. Thesystem 10 comprises a locator device 12 having means for generatingpositional information of the locator device. The present system isconfigured to locate and track one or more locator devices, eachoperating as locator device 12 as described herein, and each having aunique identifier or serial number associated therewith. The positionalinformation generating means comprises a receiver 14 connected to anantenna 16 and a central processing unit (CPU) 18 connected to memory20. The receiver 14 is operatively coupled for communication with theCPU 18.

A control interface 21 is provided to accept input commands from a userof the locator device 12. The control interface 21 in connected to theCPU 18 for processing of input commands issued at the control interface21 by the user of locator device 12 and to a power source 30 forproviding typical activation means for the locator device 12.

The antenna 16 comprises a standard radio-frequency (RF) transducer asis known in the art for receiving electromagnetic wave signals from aplurality of visible radiolocation transmitters. The term “visible”refers to the ability of the locator device to receive synchronizationsignals and timing signals and other informational data from theradiolocation transmitter. In the preferred embodiment, theradiolocation transmitters comprise global positioning system (GPS)satellites 22 a through 22 n, although land-based radiolocationtransmitters may also be used. The GPS satellites transmit signals inthe UHF part of the radio spectrum, thus the antenna 16 of the preferredembodiment is structured and configured to receive signals in the UHFfrequency range.

The receiver 14 comprises standard circuit stage components or likehardware for detecting and receiving radio frequency signals as in knownin the art and carries out the operation of scanning the input streamreceived by antenna 16 and demodulating GPS signal data into serial datafor use by the CPU 18. In an illustrative embodiment the receiver unit14 is an ASHTECH® G-8 model unit. This serial data produced by thereceiver unit 14 is then communication to the CPU 18 for furtherprocessing as described in more detail below.

GPS satellites 22 a through 22 n transmit signals having special codescontaining information used by various receiving apparatus forcalculating position. The CPU includes program means running thereon fordetermining the location of the locator device 12 as in known in theart. In general, the CPU 18 calculates the distance between the locatordevice 12 and the GPS satellites 22 a through 22 n using the timingsignals provided by the GPS satellites 22 a through 22 n, and carriesout standard radiolocation calculations to formulate “positional data”which is the location of the locator device 12 relative to the positionsof the GPS satellites 22 a through 22 n. The timing signals as well asthe positions of the GPS satellites are communicated to the locatordevice 12 though the code signals transmitted by the GPS satellites 22 athrough 22 n. The positional data formulated by the CPU 18 includeslatitude, longitude, and altitude information about the locator device12. The positional data formulated by the CPU 18 is further maintainedor recorded in a log in the memory 20 for later computation as describedin conjunction with FIG. 3. The CPU 18 also carries out the operationperiodically communicating the computed positional data to a wirelessmodem device for further transmission as described below.

The locator device 12 further comprises a cellular modem 24 operativelycoupled the CPU 18. The cellular modem 24 includes an antenna 26 and maybe any cellular modem or personal communication services (PCS) modem,however a cellular modem is preferred because of the pervasiveness ofcellular service availability. In an illustrative embodiment, thecellular modem 24 comprises a MOTOROLA® 505sd modem. The cellular modem24 carries out the operation of transmitting the positional datareceived from the CPU 18 and communicating such positional data to awireless service provider. Preferably the wireless service provider is acellular service provider 28. The cellular frequency for suchcommunication is typically designated by the cellular provider 28.

The locator device 12 also comprises a power source 30 provided therein.The power source 30 is normally a standard battery. The power source 30provides power to the various elements of the locator device 12including the receiver 14, the CPU 18, the memory 20 and the cellularmodem 24. The CPU 18 communicates with power source 30 via line 32 andincludes program means residing thereon for managing power usage andconsumption of device 12 as described below in conjunction with FIG. 3.

Preferably, the receiver 14, the CPU 18, the memory 20, the cellularmodem 24 are mounted on a circuit board or like hardware device and ishoused within a casing unit (not shown). The power source 30 is alsoprovided within the casing unit. The control interface 21 may beprovided integral with the casing unit or provided on the outer surfaceof the casing unit and preferably includes switches or other similarcontrols (not shown) for accepting external input from a user of thelocator device 12.

The cellular provider 28 is in wireless communication with the locatordevice 12 via radio signals transmitted by the cellular modem 24 for thepurposes of receiving the positional data information transmitted the bylocator device 12. As noted above, in the preferred embodiment, thewireless modem of locator device 12 comprises cellular modem 24, and thewireless service provider is cellular provider 28. Generally, cellularprovider 28 comprises a network of antennas 34 a through 34 n each ofwhich includes means for receiving from and transmitting data to thecellular modem 24 as is generally known in the art. A base device 36 isprovided with the cellular provider 28 and is operatively coupled to thereceiving and transmitting means of the antennas 34 a through 34 n thusforming a “cellular network”. The base device 36 includes means formanaging the communication exchange of the devices participating in thecellular network as in known in the art. The cellular provider 28communicates positional data received from the locator device 12 to aserver computer 38 for further processing.

The server computer 38 comprises a standard computer such as aminicomputer, a microcomputer, a UNIX® machine, mainframe machine,personal computer (PC) such as INTEL®, APPLE®, or SUN® based processingcomputer or close thereof, or other appropriate data processing means.Server computer 38 also includes typical components (not shown), such asa motherboard, central processing unit (CPU), random access memory(RAM), hard disk drive, display adapter, other storage media such asdiskette drive, CD-ROM, flash-ROM, tape drive, PCMCIA cards and/or otherremovable media, a monitor, keyboard, mouse and/or other user interfacemeans, a modem, network interface card (NIC), and/or other conventionalinput/output devices.

The server computer 38 is operatively coupled with the cellular provider28 to receive positional data information, normally through a fast dataconnection means, such as T1, T3, multiple T1, multiple T3, or otherhigh-speed conventional data connection means. Server computer 38 andcellular provider 28 can alternatively connect to each other using astandard Internet connection means, cable means, telephone means,wireless means, or other means for establishing a communication network.Server computer 38 is also operatively coupled to the Internet showngenerally as 41 via a fast connection means, such as T1, T3, multipleT1, multiple T3, or other high-speed conventional data connection means.Alternative methods for connection server computer 38 to the Internet asis known in the art may also be used.

Server computer 38 also has loaded in it RAM a conventional serveroperation system (not shown) such as UNIX, WINDOWS NT, NOVELL, SOLARIS,or other server operating system. Server computer also has loaded in itsRAM web server software 40 and database software 42. The web serversoftware 40 carries out the operation of handing hypertext transferprotocol (HTTP) or Web page request as described further below.

The database software 42 carries out the operation of storing,retrieving, accessing, deleting and updating database information storedin database 44. The database 44 contains information related to eachlocator device 12 of the system 10. Positional data information aboutlocator devices is stored in a tracking table (not shown) within thedatabase 44.

The tracking table includes, for example, a plurality of LID numberscorresponding to each locator device's identifying code or serialnumber, data location information such as latitude, longitude, andaltitude, the date and time when such data location information wasentered, and other pertinent information associated with each LIDnumber. Subscriber data information about subscriber users is stored ina subscriber table (not shown) within the database 44.

The subscriber table includes, for example, a plurality of SID numbercorresponding to each subscriber user, with a username or screen name,e-mail address, password, the LID or locator devices the subscriber maytrack, and other pertinent subscriber user information. The subscribertable is related to the tracking table via the common LID field residingin both tables. Thus positional data information related to a subscribeSID in the subscriber table may be obtained by querying the positionaldata information in the corresponding LID field in the tracking table.

As positional data is received by server computer 38 from the cellularprovider 28, the database software 42 parses the data information intolocator device identity information and positional data information, andstores such information along with the current date and time into thecorresponding fields in the tracking table. Thus the tracking tableconstantly maintains current positional data information of the variouslocator devices participating in the system 10.

A subscriber computer 46 is provided in the system for allowing asubscriber user wishing to track a particular locator device. Subscribercomputer 46, like server computer 38, preferably comprises as standardcomputer such as a minicomputer, a microcomputer, a UNIX® machine,mainframe machine, personal computer (PC) such as INTEL®, APPLE®, orSUN® based processing computer or close thereof, or other appropriatedata processing means.

Server computer 38 also includes typical components (not shown), such asa motherboard, central processing unit (CPU), random access memory(RAM), hard disk drive, display adapter, other storage media such asdiskette drive, CD-ROM, flash-ROM, tape drive, PCMCIA cards and/or otherremovable media, a monitor, keyboard, mouse and/or other user interfacemeans, a modem, and/or other conventional input/output devices.Subscriber computer 46 also loaded in its RAM an operating system (notshown) such as UNIX, WINDOWS 98 or the like.

Subscriber computer 46 further has loaded in ram a Web browser program48 such as NETSCAPE, INTERNET EXPLORER, AOL, or like browsing softwarefor client subscriber computers. Subscriber computer 46 is normallyembodied in conventional desktop or “tower” machine, but canalternatively be embodied in a portable or “laptop” computer, a handheldpersonal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular phone capable of browsingWeb pages, a Internet terminal capable of browsing Web pages such asWEBTV, or other Web browsing devices.

Subscriber computer 46 is operatively coupled for communication with theserver computer 38, typically via the Internet 41 through a phoneconnection using a modem and telephone line (not shown), in a standardfashion. The subscriber user of subscriber computer 46 will typicallydial the user's Internet service provider (ISP) (not shown) through amodem and phone line to establish a connection between the subscribercomputer 46 and the Internet 41. As described above, server computer 38is operatively coupled for communication to the Internet 41. Sincecomputers connected to the Internet 41, are themselves connected to eachother, the Internet 41 establishes a network communication link betweenthe subscriber computer 46 and the server computer 38. Generally,subscriber computer 46 and server computer 38 communicate using theTCP/IP (transfer control protocol/internet protocol). More specifically,the Web browser software 48 residing in the subscriber computer 46communicates with the Web server software 40 residing in the servercomputer 38 via the HTTP protocol. However, other protocols forcommunication may also be utilized, including PPTP, NetBEUI over TCP/IP,and other appropriate network protocols.

The subscriber user of subscriber computer 46 requests positional datainformation by accessing the Web browser software 48 and contacting theWeb server software 40 residing on server computer 38. Normally, asubscriber user will make a request to the server computer 38, which isreceived by Web server software 40. Web server software 40 validates theidentity of subscriber user to ensure that the user requestingpositional data information is the appropriate authorized user. Thisvalidation or authorization is normally carried out though standardchallenge/response security authentication involving a user name and apassword.

Once the subscriber user is validated, the Web server software 40 issuesa query to the database software 42 for positional data of locatordevices that the subscriber user is authorized to track or locate.Responsive to this query request, the database software 42 formulates aquery to extract positional data from the tracking table in the database44 and returns the query result to the Web server 40. After receivingthe positional data from the database software 42, the Web server 40merges the positional data with textual information and convolves thepositional data with a map overlay to produce a image having thepositional data superimposed on a map image. Various mapping softwareprograms available in the art may be used for convolving the positionaldata information. The Web server 40 then transmits the textual and imagepositional data information in the form of hypertext markup language(HTML) to the subscriber user accessing the subscriber computer 46 forviewing thereon using the Web browsing software 48.

The HTML page presented to the subscriber may also include a Java™applet, which shows the positional information in a form of an image.The Java applet may dynamically depict the positional movement of thedevice by updating or refreshing the image of the positional informationas the locator device 12 changes location. Various other means known inthe art may be used to dynamically update the image of the positionalinformation including, for example, a refresh rate which reloads newpositional data images on the HTML page, or streaming video such asRealVideo™, Quicktime™, VDO™, MPEG or other like streaming videotechnologies. Such steaming videos depict the movement of the locatordevice over a map background.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram of an alternative locatordevice is shown and designated as 50. Locator device 50 carries outsubstantially the same functions as described above for locator device12. To this end, the locator device 50 includes means for generating itspositional data information connected to memory 52, a cellular modem 54connected to the positional information generating means, a power supply56, a control interface 58 connected to the positional informationgenerating means, and power management module 59.

The means for generating positional data information comprises a GPSreceiver 60 connected to an antenna 62, and a radio detection finding(RDF) unit 64 connected to the GPS receiver 60. The GPS receiving 60,like receiver 14, comprises standard circuit stage component fordetecting and receiving radio frequency signal as in known in the artand carries other operation of scanning the input stream received byantenna 62. The receiver 60 demodulates GPS signals from the inputstream into serial data for use by the RDF unit 64 to ascertain thepositional data of locator unit 50 as described further below. Theantenna 62, like antenna 16, comprises a RF transducer as in known inthe art and is structured and configured to receive GPS signals producedby satellites 22 a through 22 n.

The RDF unit 64 comprises circuitry or like hardware having means forcalculating its distance from visible GPS satellites 22 a through 22 nusing the timing signals provided by the GPS satellites 22 a through 22n. The calculating means of the RDF unit 64 comprises standardradiolocation calculation methods as is known in the art. Thecalculation means of the RDF unit 64 further formulates its positionaldata in the form of latitude, longitude, and altitude, from the abovementioned calculation methods. This positional data is maintained orrecorded in a log in the memory 52 for later computation, and iscommunicated to the cellular modem 54 for further transmission asdescribed below.

The power supply 56 is normally a battery supply and provides power tothe various elements of the locator device 50, including the GPSreceiver 60, the RDF unit 64, the power management module 59, the memory52, and the cellular modem 54.

The controller interface 58, like control interface 21, carries out theoperation of interpreting external commands issued by the user oflocator device 50 and communicating such commands to the RDF unit 64 andthe power management module 59. For example, when the user of locatordevice 50 activates the unit by pressing an activation switch (notshown) on the control interface, a signal is communicated to the powermanagement module 59 to activate the power supply 58, which providespower to the corresponding elements of the device 50. Alternatively, asimple switch (not shown) connected to the power supply 56 could beprovided at the control interface 58, to provide similar activationmeans.

The cellular modem 54, like cellular modem 24, comprises standardcircuitry for cellular communication and modulation and includes anantenna 66 connected thereto. In an illustrative embodiment, thecellular modem 54 comprises a MOTOROLA® 505sd modem. The cellular modem54 carries out the operation of transmitting the positional datareceived from the RDF unit 64 and communicating such positional data tothe cellular provider 28.

The method and operation of the invention will be more fully understoodby reference to the flow chart of FIG. 3. FIG. 3 illustrates generallythe steps associated with the power management means of the invention.The order of steps as shown in FIG. 3 are only exemplary, and should notbe considered limiting.

Referring now to FIG. 3, as well as FIG. 1, the method of managing orconserving power provided to the locator device 12 is shown.

At step 100, a user of the locator device 12 accessing the controlinterface 21 to signal an activation or “power on” signal. Thisactivation signal is communicated from the control interface 21 to thepower source 30. As described above, switches or other controls may beprovided at the control interface 21 to allow the user to communicatecontrol signals, such as “power on” to the locator device 12.

At step 110, responsive to this activation signal from the controlinterface 21, the power source 30 provides power to, inter alia, thewireless receiver 14, the CPU 18, the memory 20, and the cellular modem24. The locator device is capable at running at a plurality of powerlevels including at least a “normal” level and a “low” level. At the“normal” level, the CPU 18 is running at its highest clock speed andpower is provided at the highest level to all the elements of thelocator device 12, including the wireless receiver 14, the CPU 18, thememory 18, and the cellular modem 24 among others. At the “low” level”,the CPU 18 is running at a reduced clock speed which is normally halfthe speed of the highest clock speed, and one or more of the otherelements are disabled, shutdown or otherwise provided less power by thepower supply. More particularly, communication to the cellular provider28 via the cellular modem 24 is temporarily interrupted. Normally thepower delivered to the cellular modem 24 is interrupted.

Various other intermediary levels may be arranged to provide variouspower level consumption of the power source 30. The CPU 18 carries outthe operation of the managing the power level in which the locatordevice 12 operates by communicating power level signals to the variouselements of the locator device 12, including the power source 30, thewireless receiver 14, and the cellular modem. Initially, during thepower on stage of step 110, the CPU 18 sets the locator device tooperate at the “normal” level.

At step 120, the CPU 18 carries out an internal check of the locatordevice 12. The internal check comprises steps of checking thefunctionality of the wireless receiver 14, the memory 20, the CPU 18,the cellular modem 24, the power source 30, and the control interface21, among other elements. The CPU 18 also ascertains its serial numberor identification number, which may be preprogrammed into a circuit orlike hardware device (not shown) such as a ROM chip, which connected tothe CPU 18 and provided in the locator device 12. The CPU 18 also loadsinto memory 20 software or program means for computing positional data.The software may be provided internally in a circuit or like hardware(not shown) connected to the CPU 18 and provided in the locator device12, or may alternatively be downloaded during this step from thecellular provider 28 via the cellular modem 24.

At step 130, the wireless receiver 14 attempts to synchronize with thevisible GPS satellites 22 a through 22 n. The wireless receiver 14examines the input stream received into the antenna 16 to ascertainsynchronization signals or codes, which are transmitted by the GPSsatellites 22 a through 22 n. These synchronization codes are used bythe receiver 14 to ascertain, among other things, the timing signalsnecessary to calculate positional data of the locator device 12.Normally, the locator device requires the timing signals from at leasttwo (2) visible GPS satellites in order to calculate its positionaldata. As noted above, the term “visible” refers to the ability of thelocator device 12 to receive synchronization signals, timing signals andother informational data from the GPS satellites 22 a through 22 n. Theaccuracy of the calculation of the positional data is proportional tothe number of GPS satellites “visible” to the wireless receiver 14.

At step 140, the CPU 18 make a determination whether the wirelessreceiver 14 has synchronized with at least two visible GPS satellites ascarried out during the synchronization step of 130. If the CPU 18determines that the wireless receiver 14 has synchronized with at leasttwo visible GPS satellites, steps 140 through 170 are carried out,otherwise steps 180 through 210 are carried out.

At step 150, the wireless receiver 14 carries out the steps of receivinginput stream data from the antenna 16 and demodulating GPS signals intoserial data as described above. This serial data is then communicated tothe CPU 18 for further processing in step 160.

At step 160, the CPU 18 carries out the steps of receiving the serialdata from wireless receiver 14 and computing positional data of thelocator device 12, as described above. In general the software runningon CPU 18 and in memory 20 calculates the distance between the locatordevice 12 and the GPS satellites synchronized with in step 130 or step190 using the timing signals provided by the GPS satellites, and carriesout standard radiolocation calculations to formulate the positional datawhich is the location of the locator device 12 relative to the positionsof the GPS satellites 22 a through 22 n. The calculated positional datais internally stored in a log or record in the memory 20 for futurecomparison. Also at step 160, the CPU 18 compares the currentlycalculated positional data with the previously calculated positionaldata if any to ascertain the velocity or the relative “positionalchange” of locator device 12.

At step 170, the CPU 18 makes a determination of whether the relative“positional change” calculated in state 160 has increased. As notedabove, the locator device 12 periodically communicates positional datato the cellular provider 28. In order to conserve the power source 30,the locator device 12 will decrease the rate of periodic transmission tocellular provider 28 when the locator device 12 is relativelystationary. Conversely, in order to provide accurate positional data tothe server computer 38 via cellular provider 28, the rate of periodictransmission from locator device 12 to cellular provider 28 is increasedwhen the relative “positional change” determined to have increased. Ifthe locator device 12 remains at a relatively contact rate of velocity,then the rate of transmission remains relatively constant as well. Ifthe “positional change” has increased, step 220 is carried out,otherwise, step 230 is carried out.

At step 220, the periodic rate at which the cellular modem 24 transmitspositional data to the cellular provider 28 is increased. This stepprovides the server computer 38 with an increased rate of positionaldata where the locator device is found to be moving rapidly. Steps 130and 140 are carried out again.

At step 230, the CPU 18 makes a determination of whether the relative“positional change” calculated in step 160 has decreased. If the“positional change” has decreased, step 240 is carried out, otherwise,steps 130 and 140 are carried out again.

At step 240, the periodic rate at which the cellular modem 24 transmitspositional data to the cellular provider 28 is decreased. This stepsconserves power consumption in the locator device 12 when the device 12is relatively stationary. Steps 130 and 140 and then repeated.

Steps 180 through 210 are carried out when the CPU 18 determines thatthe wireless receiver 14 has not synchronized with at least two visibleGPS satellites in step 140.

At step 180, the locator device 12 is set to the “low” level ofoperation described above in order to conserve the power usage drawnfrom the power source 30. At this level the CPU 18 runs at a reducedclock speed, which is normally half of the highest clock speed. Thepower to the cellular modem is also terminated or otherwise reduced.Additionally, cellular communication between cellular modem 24 and thecellular provider 28 is temporarily interrupted.

At step 190, the locator device 12 attempts to synchronize with visibleGPS satellites using the same steps as carried out in step 130.

At step 200, the CPU 18 makes a determination whether the wirelessreceiver 14 has synchronized with at least two visible GPS satellitesduring the synchronization step of 190. If the CPU 18 determines thatthe wireless receiver 14 has synchronized with at least two visible GPSsatellites, step 210 is carried out, otherwise steps 190 and 200 arecarried out again.

At step 210, the locator device 12 is restored to the “normal” level ofoperation described above. At this level, the CPU 18 operates at itsfastest clock speed, and power is delivered at the “normal” to theelements of locator device 12 as described earlier in the power on step110. Cellular communication between cellular modem 24 and cellularprovider is also resumed. Steps 150 through 170 are then carried out.

One challenge facing wireless users is placing effective 911 calls. Ascell phones replace traditional landline phones for many users,determining the location of a wireless phone in order to directemergency response personnel is a key issue.

When a caller dials 911, typically the address and phone number of thecaller is displayed on a screen at the 911 center. Enhanced 911 or E911provides dispatchers with the location of callers and their phonenumber. This is also known as ANI/ALI—automatic number information andautomatic location information. Currently, many 911 centers do notreceive important location data from wireless telephone calls, resultingin confusion and problems for emergency dispatch services. Also, areasthat have multiple 911 centers may have problems routing calls as aresult of insufficient location data. Therefore, wireless E911 is one ofthe most pressing challenges facing the public safety community.

In response, the FCC has developed a set of rules to mandate a series ofsteps to migrate wireless carriers to 911 capability. The wirelessEnhanced 911 (E911) rules seek to improve the effectiveness andreliability of wireless 911 service by providing 911 dispatchers withadditional information on wireless 911 calls.

The wireless E911 program is divided into two parts—Phase I and PhaseII. Phase I requires carriers, upon appropriate request by a localPublic Safety Answering Point (PSAP), to report the telephone number ofa wireless 911 caller and the location of the antenna that received thecall. Phase II requires wireless carriers to provide far more preciselocation information, within 50 to 100 meters in most cases.

The deployment of E911 requires the development of new technologies andupgrades to local 911 PSAPs, as well as coordination among public safetyagencies, wireless carriers, technology vendors, equipmentmanufacturers, and local wireline carriers. The FCC established afour-year rollout schedule for Phase II, beginning Oct. 1, 2001 and tobe completed by Dec. 31, 2005.

However, wireless carriers have experienced some difficulty in complyingwith the mandate, and FCC has granted various limited waivers of thePhase II rules to wireless carriers, subject to revised deploymentschedules and quarterly reporting requirements.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a wireline E911 system. FIG. 4 includes aPlain Old Telephone Service (POTS) telephone 410 placing a 911 call intothe Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) 420. Typically, the callwill be directed to a Central Office (CO) 430 of a service provider,where a subscriber database 440 is maintained, listing every assignedtelephone number, the subscriber's name, address and billinginformation. Moreover, the service provider already identifies thetelephone number for every call placed in order to properly bill thesubscriber each month, referred to as Automatic Number Identification(ANI).

An E911 system further includes a Master Street Address Guide (MSAG)database 450 for database cross-referencing every assigned telephonenumber, subscriber's address and the block number ranges for everystreet, in every jurisdiction served by the telephone company.Additionally, service provider may provide dedicated switches andnetworks to carry 911 traffic through a 911 tandem network.

When the caller dials 911, the call is identified by the telephonecompany central office switch and routed to the 911 network. The ANI(telephone number) information is decoded through a subscriber databaseto obtain the caller's address and other information. The call is thenprocessed through the MSAG to obtain the ID code of the agency thatshould handle the call. The 911 network then routes the voice andANI/ALI information to the correct agency or Public Safety AnsweringPoint (PSAP) 460.

The ANI/ALI information is displayed when the call-taker at the PSAPanswers, providing crucial information to direct emergency personnel.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a Phase 1-compliant wireless E911 system500.

Under Phase 1 mandates, wireless carriers must provide to PSAPs thetelephone number of a wireless 911 caller and cell site or base stationreceiving a wireless 911 call. In the system 500, when a caller 510places a 911 call, the call is routed to the Mobile Switching Center(MSC) through tower 520. Under Phase 1, towers are programmed toimmediately send any 911 call to the appropriate 911 tandem 540.Additionally, a Pseudo ANI (PANI) is provided that identifies the cellsector (up to three per tower) or just the tower itself.

When the call is relayed to the PSAP 550, the callback number and celltower of origination to be relayed to the PSAP. Accuracy can range fromseveral hundred square meters to several square kilometers, therebyproviding at least location information to a particular region of town.

Under Phase 2 mandates, wireless carriers must also provide to PSAPs thelocation of a 911 caller by latitude and longitude using either aterminal-based or a network-based technology, resulting in an accuracyof 50 square meters to 300 square meters depending on the technology.

FIGS. 6A-6C depict typical ways wireless carriers can use their networkto determine a caller's location. FIGS. 6A-6C represent what istypically erred to as network-based solutions.

FIG. 6A depicts the Time Difference Of Arrival (TDOA) method. Each tower620 in a TDOA system is configured to measure the amount of time ittakes to receive the signal from caller 610.

A typical manner used to locate a wireless caller to use the network offixed base stations in a wireless provider's network to triangulate thecaller's location. In this scenario, each station in a carrier's networkis configured to receive a signal from a particular phone making anactive call. Two or more towers then compare signals from the activephone and locate it based on relative readings. By cross-referencingthis information from other towers in the system, a phone's position isexpressed in X and Y coordinates based on longitude and latitudereadings.

FIG. 6B depicts the Angle Of Arrival (AOA) method of location, in whichthe system uses the antenna arrays at a base station to determine theangle at which a wireless phone's signal arrives at the station. Bycomparing this angle of arrival data among multiple base stations, therelative location of a wireless phone can also be triangulated andexpressed in X and Y coordinates.

FIG. 6C is a diagram of the Enhanced Observed Time Difference (EOTD)method. In this method, the phone 610 is configured to determine itsposition from signals received from the towers 620. This determinationmade be made with the assistance of a location server 630. The phonethen transmits its location information 640 to the system. Under thisscenario, a phone can be made ‘location-aware’, that is, it cancontinuously track its location throughout a system as long as the phonehas sufficient tower visibility.

It will be appreciated that carriers may user combinations of all of theabove location methods.

FIG. 7 depicts a terminal-based solution using the assistance of theconstellation 730 of GPS satellites. The system of FIG. 7 may operate intwo manners. First, the phone 710 may be configured to determined itsown location as a stand-alone GPS terminal device and transmit itslocation to the 911 network 750 through tower 720 and ultimately to thecorrect PSAP 760.

In an Assisted GPS system, the phone may only be required to transmitraw GPS data to the system through tower 720, and the location of thecaller is determined with the assistance of a location server 740. Theserver 740 may use any of the additional information from thenetwork-based methods described above to more quickly determine thecaller's location, such as tower location or triangulation data. Thisallows a much quicker first fix, and ultimately a more accurate locationdetermination.

FIG. 8 is an overview of a typical GSM wireless system 800. The systemincludes a Mobile Station 810 (MS) including the mobile equipment (ME)811 and a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card 812. The ME 811comprises hardware for enabling radio communication with the network,and is typically identified by its International Mobile EquipmentIdentity (IMEI).

The SIM card 812 is typically configured to identify the subscriber inthe network and stores information necessary for the ME 811 to accessthe network.

FIG. 8 further includes a Base Station System (BSS) 820. The BSS 820 isconfigured to place the MS in wireless connectivity with the network. Toenable transmission and reception on the network, the BSS 820 includes aBase Transceiver Station (BTS) 821 and a Base Station Controller (BSC)822. As is appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the BTS821 is configured to enable the communication between the MS 810 and thenetwork, and comprises radio equipment and antennas to serve a cell. TheBSC 822 is configured to manage a group of underlying BTSs.

FIG. 8 further includes a Switching System 830 for managingcommunications between mobile users and users of other networks orsystems, such mobile users on different systems, or fixed telephonyusers on the Public Switched Telephony Network (PSTN) 835. The switchingsystem also includes databases 832 needed for subscriber data andmobility management.

The switching system 830 typically includes a Mobile Services SwitchingCenter (MSC) 831 for performing the switching functions within thenetwork, connecting calls in the GSM network, or between the GSM networkand another networks when necessary.

To provide connectivity between the GSM network and other networks, theswitching system 830 may also include a Gateway Mobile servicesSwitching Center (GMSC) 833. The GMSC 833 is preferably configured tooperate as a gateway between the GSM network and other networks, such asthe PSTN 835, or an IP-compliant network such as the Internet 834.

As mentioned above, the switching system 830 may include databases 832for storing and retrieving system information. The GMSC 833 may locatein which part of the network the MS 810 is located in by questioning aHome Location Registry (HLR) containing information about subscribers tothe network. The HLR also includes information about the subscriber'scurrent location and which MSC serving the user at the moment. Theswitching system 830 may also include other databases, including aVisitor Location Registry (VLR). The VLR is a regional database, ascompared to the HLR that is global, and is found together with everyMSC. This register stores information about all subscribers that areregistered in that MSC area at the moment.

When the HLR has provided the GMSC 833 with which MSC service area thesubscriber is registered in, a more detailed description of whichLocation Area (LA) the MS will be found in can be obtained from the VLR.

The switching system 830 may also include security-relatedfunctionality, such as an Authentication Centre (AUC) for managing datafor the authentication of subscribers and encryption. All MSs may berequired to go through an authentication process before being providedaccess to the network. Additionally, an Equipment Identity Register(EIR) may also be provided for hardware security purposes. Informationmay be stored regarding whether a particular ME is valid, and verifythat the equipment is not stolen.

In a preferred embodiment, the MS 810 is GPS-enabled through a GPSchipset 815 configured to determine location from received GPS signals816. The switching system 830 may be configured to providelocation-based services to a subscriber 840, whereby the location of theMS 810 may be provided to a subscriber 840 over the Internet 834. Thus,the switching system 830 is configured to provide the functionalityprovided by the server computer described above. It is desired in thisdisclosure that the location-based services be configured to access theE911 location information already present in an E911 compliant system.It is contemplated that the programming for causing the MS to determineits location may reside entirely on the SIM card 812, or utilize memoryand processor 814.

In one embodiment, a commercial variant of a E911 protocol may bedeveloped that causes the system to collect E911 information, but routesthe location information to a commercial variant of the E911 tandemsystem. Such an E911 commercial protocol will indicate to the switchingsystem that a particular request is a commercial request, and should notbe forwarded to a PSAP. Instead such a protocol will indicate that thelocation request is of a commercial nature, and location informationshould be forwarded to the subscriber and the requested billed as anon-emergency provisioned service.

Additionally, the MS 810 may include processor and associated memory 814for executing location-based services above and beyond those found intypical devices. For example, the MS 810 may be configured to send itslocation as predetermined intervals to the subscriber 840. For example,the MS may be configured to periodically determine its location andtransmit location data to a subscriber, or alternatively, the MS mayalso be configured to transmit location data to a subscriber whennearing forbidden zones or traveling near boundaries as pre-defined bythe subscriber.

It is contemplated that the MS 810 may be configured to execute Javaapplications, or applications written in the operating system of the MS,such as Palm, Windows for mobile devices, or the Symbian OS.

It is contemplated that the location-based services of this disclosuremay also be stored and executed directly or at least partially from theSIM card 812. In this manner, the location-based services desired bysubscriber 840 may be provisioned and billed as are other wirelessservices. In this manner, a parent may activate location-based serviceswithout the knowledge of the child. Additionally, as a MS will notproperly operate without a SIM card installed, the parent can be assuredthat a child cannot disable such features. For privacy reasons, the MSmay also be configured to require that the remote user consent toenabling the remote tracking features. Additionally, the SIM card may beprogrammed to periodically determine the location of the MS and sendlocation information to the subscriber, or respond to a location queryfrom the subscriber, without intervention from the remote user.

The subscriber terminal may also be enabled to view the location of theMS through a web page as described above. Additionally, the subscribermay be allowed to enter locations of interest into the web page, and benotified when the MS is near a location. For example, a subscriber maybe allowed to enter a street address into a web page, and the systemwill convert the address into location coordinates and store thesecoordinates into a database. The system may then query the location ofthe MS, and alert the subscriber if the MS arrives at the address. Thesubscriber may also be allowed to associate a time element with anaddress or series of addresses. In this manner, the system may beallowed to track a remote user's itinerary, and report back to thesubscriber the remote user's progress. Thus if the remote user does notreach a desired destination by a specific time, the system will notifythe subscriber. It is contemplated that the system may notify thesubscriber through any manner provided by the carrier, such as throughemail, SMS, paging, or automated voice mail.

It is contemplated that the subscriber may also enter communicationpreferences, whereby the subscriber may enter a desired means ofcommunication regarding the location of the remote user's MS. Forexample, the subscriber may enter various phone numbers or otherinformation destinations in the order desired to be tried by the system.Additionally, if the network is enabled with the Session InitiationProtocol (SIP), the system may be configured to automatically attempt tocontact the subscriber using alternate means.

As is known by those skilled in the art, SIP represents the capabilityto reach someone regardless of location or device. SIP may be used tosignal multiple devices until it finds the subscriber. SIP resides atthe application layer of the network and establishes, modifies, andterminates multimedia sessions between intelligent devices, and extendsthe intelligence of a data network out to the end user at the edge,while allowing the lesser intelligent core to forward communicationsrequests without much effort.

Using SIP, if the subscriber is unavailable, the system may beconfigured to alert a second party, such as another family member or thesubscriber's manager.

If the gateway is VoIP-enabled, then the subscriber may be able toreceive location-based services in an IP-compliant environment, such asthrough a VoIP telephone, or a computer-resident “soft” phone. Thegateway may also be enabled to provide VoIP services using either theSIP or H.323 protocols, or both.

Additionally, the system may be enabled to communicate using instantmessaging software as is known in the art. Using any or all of theavailable technologies, a subscriber can be assured that locationinformation regarding the remote user can reach the subscriber.

Thus, if both the remote user and subscriber have IP addresses, thelocation-based services may be accomplished without the need to providea location server in the wireless switching system. As long as the E911location information is available, software resident in the MS andsubscriber computers may be configured to query the MS, retrievelocation information from the wireless carrier, and forward theinformation to the subscriber.

However, a challenge still exists if the MS is indoors or otherwise notable to receive a GPS signal. In a further preferred embodiment, the MS810 may include a secondary means of location 813. This secondary meansmay include a non-GPS method, such as RF-based means. In thisembodiment, the MS 810 is configured to receive secondary locationinformation from a non-GPS source 817 through a non-GPS signal 818.

It is contemplated that secondary sources may be installed at locationswhere GPS signals are found to be unreliable, or locations where moreprecise location is desired. Examples include shopping malls, schools,hospitals, and the like. In such situations, while the GPS signal may beunreliable, wireless signals are often available. In one embodiment, theMS may be configured to sense and automatically utilize secondarylocation methods when GPS signals are unavailable. For example, the MSmay also use any of the assisted-GPS location technologies describeabove, resort to a network-based method, or use a secondary method.

An example of a secondary location method is an embodiment in which theBluetooth protocol is employed. In this embodiment, the MS comprises aBluetooth-enabled wireless phone, and the secondary source 817represents a Bluetooth station. The MS is configured to discover andestablish a connection when the MS is within range. The station 817transfers its precise location to the MS, which then forwards thisinformation onto the subscriber. It will be appreciated that using asecondary source, precise location of the MS may be determined.

If the secondary source is indeed located in an area where GPS andwireless service is unavailable, the MS may be configured to storesecondary location information received from the source 817 andretransmit such data to the subscriber when the MS is back in a servicearea.

Many automobiles are now Bluetooth enabled, allowing a wireless phone tointeract with the control systems of the car. In a further embodiment,the MS may be configured to detect when it is in the car, and alert thesubscriber to this fact, as well as when the phone leaves the range ofthe car. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the car may be configuredto relay on-board information to the phone, such as informationavailable through the On Board Diagnostic (OBD) system. Information suchas speed and direction may then be forwarded to the subscriber.

It is contemplated that the location information may be sent to thesubscriber through the most efficient means. For example, in a GSMsystem, the data may be sent using the GPRS data channel. However, toensure that location data is transmitted, the phone may be configured todetermine the best available method, and send information or alertsusing alternate methods. For example, if the MS enters a forbidden zoneas defined by the subscriber, the MS may be configured to send a SMSmessage, email, or other communication in addition to attempting to sendthe location information using the data channel of the particularsystem. If the MS is out of service range, it may be configured to storethe alert, and send the alert as soon as service is detected.

In a further embodiment, the MS may be enabled to send multi-mediamessages using the MultiMedia Message Protocol (MMS). In thisembodiment, the remote MS 810 may be configured to determine itsposition, and create a multimedia message including a graphicalrepresentation of its location, such as a message including a map havingan indication of the remote user's location thereon. It is contemplatedthat map information may stored in the phone's memory, and the phone mayretrieve maps to create the message. Alternatively, the wireless systemmay be queried and the message created by the system for forwarding tothe subscriber. This may be particularly advantageous when thesubscriber unit 840 comprises a wireless phone, allowing the subscriberto view the remote user's location graphically while away from a desktopcomputer.

Although the description above contains many specificities, these shouldnot be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merelyproviding an illustration of the presently preferred embodiment of theinvention. Thus the scope of this invention should be determined by theappended claims and their legal equivalents.

1. A locator system comprising: a GPS-enabled remote mobile station incommunication with a E911-enabled wireless network; the E911-enabledwireless network including a switching center for managingcommunications between said remote mobile station and wireless network;the switching center being configured to: receive a location requestfrom a subscriber mobile station for the location of said remote mobilestation; determine the position of said remote mobile station; generatea multi-media message including a graphical representation of thelocation of said remote mobile station; and send said multi-mediamessage to said subscriber mobile station.
 2. The locator system ofclaim 1, wherein said multi-media message comprises MultiMedia MessageProtocol (MMS) message.
 3. The locator system of claim 1, wherein saidmessage comprises a map having the location of said mobile stationindicated thereon.
 4. The locator system of claim 3, wherein saidswitching center is configured to determine the location of said mobilestation utilizing E911 location information regarding said mobilestation.
 5. A locator system comprising: switching center means formanaging communications between a remote mobile station and E911-enabledwireless network; and the switching center further comprising: means forreceiving a location request from a subscriber mobile station for thelocation of said remote mobile station; means for determining theposition of said remote mobile station; means for generating amulti-media message including a graphical representation of the locationof said remote mobile station; and means for sending said multi-mediamessage to said subscriber mobile station.
 6. The locator system ofclaim 5, wherein said multi-media message comprises MultiMedia MessageProtocol (MMS) message.
 7. The locator system of claim 6, wherein saidmessage comprises a map having the location of said mobile stationindicated thereon.
 8. The locator system of claim 7, wherein saidswitching center is configured to determine the location of said mobilestation utilizing E911 location information regarding said mobilestation.